Amongst the topics discussed included the need to develop and expand Newark College in the context of a challenging funding landscape for Further Education.

The visit comes during the Association of Colleges’ #LoveOurColleges Week, an initiative designed to demonstrate the social and economic value of further education ahead of the Comprehensive spending review being conducted by central government.

Sajeeda Rose said: “It was fascinating to see the breadth of training provision and commercial activity taking place across the Group and to see the vision for Newark College. We look forward to working with Gary and his team to support their ambitions in future.”

Gary Headland said: “We were delighted to host Sajeeda and John and we look forward to working really closely with them to develop Newark College.

“We spent time looking at our Air and Defence College, our digital apprenticeships centre and our Higher Education Centre at Lincoln College and then went over to Newark College to discuss how we might replicate similar developments there.

“It was great to spend time with Sajeeda and John and share our vision for the development of Newark College to meet the needs of local employers.”